Foundation for New MTC Underway

The footings are being securing on the side of the new MTC that will house the classrooms.  This is the north side closest to the temple.  The photo was taken November 11, 2014.

Ghana MTC Slide Show of 31 October 2014 Group

Elder Curtis Speaks at Nov 7th MTC Devotional

Meet Elder and Sister Legrand Curtis Jr.  Elder Curtis is the Area President of the Africa West Area and was called to the First Quorum of Seventy in 2011.  He and Sister Curtis were married in 1974 and grew up in the same ward.  In 1998 he presided over the Italy Padova Mission where he had served as a young missionary years before.  Together with Jane Cowan Curtis, they are the parents of five children and sixteen grandchildren.  All of their children served missions. 

Elder Curtis is a lawyer.  He and Sister Curtis graduated from BYU and he earned his law degree from the University of Michigan.  As a mission president, he confided to his wife that he wanted to serve missions for 10% of his life having at the time served five years.  He has been in Africa for 3 years, so his dream is being realized.

King Benjamin in the MTC? And Issac?

Elder King Benjamin Izima (left) and his companion Elder Issac are good examples of being given significant names.  In 1985 when  Elder Izima's father was taught by an American senior couple, he vowed to the Lord that if the Lord would let him know the Book of Mormon was true that if he and his wife had a male child, he would name him King Benjamin.  He and his wife had four daughters, but no sons.  When Elder King Benjamin Izima was born, his father promised the Lord that he would endure to the end as he gave his son that very significant name.

Elder Issac's family name is the name of his father.  That is the tradition in many Africa countries to use the father's name as the last name. Most Africans are very religious and devoted students of the Bible and Issac is a witness to that fact.

Missionaries Are Endowed With Power From On High

Above are pictured a group of French-speaking missionaries from the DR Congo and Cote D'Ivoire just prior to entering the Ghana Temple for the first time.

President and Sister Robison are both set apart as Ghana Temple Ordinance Workers to assist in the work of helping each unendowed missionary receive their own endowments.  Over 50% of those entering the Ghana MTC have not been previously endowed.

What Progress Has Been Made on the New MTC After 2 Months?

 

The pictures tell the tale.  There are more holes, more footings, and the work continues.  The holes are now underway for the Front Building as well as for the Classroom building.  The far hole is for the residence.  Notice the color of dirt in Ghana. (Very similar to that of our other mission - Guyana)

Elder Fall - First Missionary from Burkina Faso

 

Elder Fall, 1st missionary from Burkina Faso with painting of first Ghana proselyter, Billy Johnson

 Elder Fall (right) with his companion Elder Gueu from Cote d'Ivoire

Elder Cheick Omar Fall is from the capitol city of Burkina Faso, poplulation 1.5 million named Ouagadougou.  His parents divorced just before he was born so when he was about 2 years old, he went to live with his uncle.  He was raised in that household, but when he was 18 he left to pursue his studies in Benin.  When he left his country he prayed to Heavenly Father that he could find a church where he could worship God.  While in Benin he often saw the missionaries, had the desire to speak with them, but did not get a chance.  One day he went to visit his cousin's family.  When he arrived the missionaries were giving  a discussion.  After the lesson, he exchanged address information with the elders, they came to his apartment at his school,  and subsequently taught him.  He was baptized during that first year in Benin. 

Since he baptism he has been attending Church in Benin, but has the desire some day to return to live in Burkina Faso and bring the gospel to the people there.